Ceftriaxone - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

Overview:

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic drug. It fights against the bacteria. Even life-threatening infections can be reduced by this drug. It can be used alone or in combination with the other drugs, as per the doctor’s advice. It is also used in patients who have undergone surgery, to prevent various types of infection. This drug is contraindicated in small children, especially if they have jaundice. It should also be avoided if you are prone to any type of allergy.

Drug Group:

Ceftriaxone is a drug belonging to a group of drugs called cephalosporins. It is included under third-generation cephalosporin. Generally, cephalosporin can be given by oral or parenteral routes. But, ceftriaxone specifically can be given by parenteral routes only. The parenteral route involves the administration of the drug by a route other than the mouth or the anal canal.

What Is Ceftriaxone Used For?

Ceftriaxone is used in the treatment of:

• Respiratory tract infections and allergies.

• Skin allergies, rashes due to infections can be cured.

• The urinary tract is the commonest site of infection. It is necessary to keep these regions clean all the time. Even severe urinary tract infections can be cured by these drugs.

• Bones and joints are other commonest sites of infection. The infections of these sites can be sorted out by Ceftriaxone.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease can be cured by this disease.

• Brain infections are the most crucial ones. An infection in the brain is called meningitis. Ceftriaxone has the potential to cure meningitis.

• Bacterial septicemia is another condition that can be treated by this drug.

• Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea can also be treated with this drug.

How Does Ceftriaxone Work?

The bacteria has to grow and develop in our body in order to become a potent opponent for us. This process takes place by doing a few mechanisms. It can consume the energy for these processes from our body itself. The vital capacity of the drug should be to stop the process and break the supply of the energy so that the bacterial organism can reduce its virulence or stop its functioning and die. The main aim of the drug is to keep the body away from the negativity of the bacteria. So, these drugs are known to have the capacity of strong antibacterial effect. The potent antibacterial effect of the bacteria can inhibit the cell wall synthesis happening. In this way, growth and virulence are stopped.

Onset Of Action:

The drug usually takes upto two weeks. In some patients, it might take only a week. When it is administered through injections or other routes, then it might have a faster action than other routes.

Habit-Forming:

This drug does not cause a habit-forming tendency. However, you should not take this drug without the advice of the doctor because long term and continuous usage might end up in development of resistance in the body. When resistance develops, the dosage taken by the patient might not be beneficial.

Expiry Date:

The expiry date of the drug will be mentioned at the back of the pack. Get a prescription from your doctor before purchasing it.

What Is the Dosage of Ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone dosage for adults:

How to Use Ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone is not available in tablets, so the dosage cannot be administered orally.

Ceftriaxone is mostly used in the form of intramuscular injections. 1g of the medication needs to be dissolved in 3.5 ml of 1% lidocaine injection. It should be administered by doctors or health care professionals.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose then you can take it immediately when you remember it. But if it is time for the next dose, you can skip it and go for your next dose.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

• Pregnancy - This drug is not yet studied during pregnancy. So, it might not be safe and do not use it unless it is absolutely necessary.

• Breastfeeding - Ceftriaxone can reach the baby through breast milk in very small quantities. It would not be very risky to take these drugs. But it is always wise to ask a doctor before taking it.

• Liver problems - Ceftriaxone can cause serious liver conditions. So, it is not advised in patients with liver damage and other associated disorders.

• Seizures - Ceftriaxone can be dangerous for patients for seizures and epileptic patients. You should consult your doctor before taking these drugs.

What Are the Side Effects of Ceftriaxone?

The side effects can vary from mild to severe depending on the related illness.

Common Symptoms:

Ceftriaxone may cause some unwanted effects apart from the needed side-effects. Not all the mentioned side effects may occur; if they do exist, then the concerned person requires medical attention. Consult with your doctor or nurse promptly if any of the below side effects occur while consuming Ceftriaxone:

• Common Side Effects Are:

• Chest pain.

• Black & tarry stools.

• Cough.

• Chills.

• Fever.

• Difficult or urination.

• Sore throat.

• Shortness of breath.

• Sores or ulcers.

• White spots in the mouth or on the lips.

• Unusual or bruising bleeding.

• Swollen glands.

• Unusual weakness or tiredness.

• Belching.

• Acid or sour stomach.

• Change in taste.

• Bloated.

• Excess gas in the intestines or stomach.

• Dizziness.

• Headache.

• Full feeling.

• Indigestion.

• Heartburn.

• Loss of taste.

• Itching of the vagina or genital area.

• Passing gas.

• Pain during sexual intercourse.

• Thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor.

• Stomach discomfort, upset, or pain.

• Rare Side Effects Are:

• Diarrhea.

• Difficulty with breathing and swallowing.

• Pain in the back, leg, or stomach.

• Bleeding gums.

• Tenderness or abdominal or stomach cramps.

• Blood in the stool or urine.

• Vomiting of blood.

• Dark urine.

• Clay-colored stools.

• Changes in skin color.

• Cough or hoarseness.

• Dizziness.

• Irregular, fast, racing or pounding pulse or heartbeat.

• Feeling of warmth and discomfort.

• Increase in sweating and thirst.

• Redness of the neck, face, arms, and occasionally in the upper chest.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Significant weight loss.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.

• Troubled breathing with exertion.

What Are the Interactions of Ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone would not be suitable for usage along with certain diseases and medications.

The common interactions of Ceftriaxone are:

• With Medicine -

1. Amoxicillin.

2. Azithromycin.

3. Diphenhydramine.

4. Vancomycin.

5. Lidocaine.

6. Ciprofloxacin.

7. Ipratropium.

8. Doxycycline.

9. Levofloxacin.

10. Furosemide.

11. Metronidazole.

12. Acetaminophen.

13. Cefuroxime.

14. Aspirin.

15. Epinephrine.

• With Disease -

1. Colitis.

2. Seizures.

3. Gallbladder disease.

4. Pancreatitis.

5. Hyperbilirubinemia.

• With Alcohol -

1. Alcohol can cause severe damage to the liver. Therefore, alcohol drinking habits should be stopped.

What Are the Common Brands or Trade Names of Ceftriaxone?

The common brand or trade names of Ceftriaxone are:

1. Injection Ceftrica 1000 mg.

2. Injection Alcef 250 mg.

3. Injection Acticef 1 g.